AS parts of Britain try to recover from the first of this winter's floods, West Somerset landowners are being encouraged to help prevent similar scenes happening closer to home.
Already, the Environment Agency has been out clearing debris and shingle from banks and watercourses across the district.
This has included the removal of shingle and stone from Hawkcombe Stream, in Porlock.
John Rowlands, of the Environment Agency, said: "During high river flows and heavy rainfall, shingle and stones are washed down from Exmoor into local watercourses and this accumulates over the years.
MP Sir Ashley Fox launches petition for Government help for church repair costs
Resurfacing project will see completion of A396 Cutcombe Hill engineering works
Campaigners want buses three days a week between Wiveliscombe and Wellington
Royal Marines from 40 Commando acquiring drone warfare skills in Arctic exercises"By cleaning out this material, floodwater will be able to flow more freely and this will reduce the risk of flooding in these areas."
The Environment Agency has been meeting regularly with local MP Ian Liddell-Grainger who wants to be kept abreast of steps being taken to prevent flooding. In the latest round of work, agency staff have been clearing stream banks in the Townsend area of Williton.
Meanwhile, West Somerset District Council has also been making private landowners aware of their responsibilities.
Anyone with land fronting on to a river or stream must legally make sure the bed and banks of the watercourse are clear of brambles, trees and shrubs.
All other debris and litter must be cleared away and they must ensure fish can swim freely along the water channel.
The council's contracts and technical services manager, Kelvin Rufus, said these landowners were known as riparian owners and could do much to help prevent flooding in the district.
He said: "It's vitally important that landowners are aware of their responsibilities.
"If every one of them kept up a high standard of watercourse maintenance, it could really help to minimise flooding problems this winter."
The Environment Agency has produced a leaflet explaining the various legal duties of landowners, which available by calling the Bridgwater office on 01278 457333.
Mr Rowlands is pictured watching workmen Glyn Bowie and Drew Harris clearing trees and debris in Williton.
Photo: Steve Guscott